It’s about numbers now
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MBABANE – You snooze you lose - that is where the league is now as it matchday 19 gets underway. Fifth-placed Royal Leopard, who are the reigning champions, opened the fixtures against Denver Sundowns yesterday at KaLanga Technical Centre. Among today’s fixtures is the one all eyes are on; title-chasing Young Buffaloes against an unpredictable Manzini Sea Birds who have had inconsistent results recently including a goalless draw with Moneni Pirates last weekend.
Buffaloes know it is all about the numbers now, essentially meaning they cannot afford to drop points but try to get all three against Sea Birds and other upcoming rivals. Only eight games remain but the race is as tight and still quite open between the top four but favours the leaders and second-placed Buffaloes given remaining headto-head fixtures.
Unbeaten to date, Buffaloes are three points behind Green Mamba, who have 43 at the summit and face a vengeful Mbabane Highlanders tomorrow.
Sea Birds Muzi Tsabedze.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Buffaloes: Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Bongwa ‘Owa’ Matsebula, Ali Matse
Sea Birds: Muzi Tsabedze, Mthokozisi Gwebu, Sandumuzi Zwane
PREVIOUS OUTINGS:
Buffaloes 2-0 Y. Buffaloes Sea Birds 0-0 M. Pirates
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
2022/23 1st round:
(January 1, 2023):
Sea Birds 1-4 Buffaloes
2021/22 season
(Nov. 13, 21): Sea Birds 2-0 Buffaloes (March 5, 22): Buffaloes 4-0 Sea Birds
Should it happen that Buffaloes get a draw or lose, and then they stand to lose their second spot to Mbabane Swallows if the latter gets a win against ailing Manzini Wanderers.
Three points is what stands between the top four teams in their order – Swallows are three points behind Buffaloes just like Highlanders are three short of Swallows’ points. So, dropping points is out of the question as much as there are still some intriguing fixtures to come, but it’s best to make hay while the sun shines. Keep the numbers up and who knows, you could end up at the champions.